The Sulawesi myzomela is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to Indonesia where it occurs in Sulawesi, Taliabu, Selayar and Tanah Jampea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical mangrove forests, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Sulawesi and adjacent islands
Typical Environment
Endemic to Indonesia, occurring on Sulawesi and nearby islands including Taliabu, Selayar, and Tanah Jampea. It inhabits moist lowland and hill forests, mangrove forests, and montane forest edges. The species also uses secondary growth and forest margins where flowering trees are present. It is most numerous where nectar resources are concentrated and can shift locally with blooming cycles.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small honeyeater of Sulawesi and nearby islands, it plays an important role as a pollinator while also taking small insects. Males are strikingly colored compared to the more subdued females, a common pattern in myzomelas. It readily follows flowering events in forests and mangroves and can be conspicuous around blooming trees. Despite habitat changes in parts of its range, it remains locally common where flowers are abundant.
Temperament
active and somewhat territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but may gather in small groups at rich nectar sources. Pairs defend favored flowering trees during breeding. Nests are small cups placed in foliage, and both parents typically attend the young. Outside breeding, it can be loosely gregarious around bloom events.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched twitters and chips interspersed with squeaky notes. Calls are sharp and rapid, often given while foraging from flower to flower.
